"He claims that I took a watch from the case, and pawned it."
"Of course that is untrue."
"Yes, and I am in a position to prove it when Mr. Flint returns."
Andy told the story of his visit to the pawn shop, and the discovery he made there.
"This is a shameful plot!" said Mrs. Mason, indignantly. "I am afraid you are in trouble, deprived of your income."
"Fortunately I have no board to pay. That is paid by the gentleman who procured me the situation."
Presently they went upstairs.
"Roy," said his mother, "we will excuse you for an hour while you are getting your Latin lesson."
"I don't like Latin, mother," grumbled Roy, "at least not to-night. I am afraid I can't fix my thoughts on the lesson. I want to be with Andy."
"What are you studying in Latin, Roy?" asked Andy.
"_Caesar_."
"If you wish, I will help you."
"Can you?" asked Roy, joyfully.
"I have been through _Caesar_, and _Virgil_, also. When I left the academy I was studying _Cicero_."
"Roy will be glad of your help, Andy," said his mother. "I did not know you were such a scholar."
"I was getting ready for college, but my father's losses required me to break off."
Andy proved such an efficient helper that Roy found himself at leisure in half an hour.
In the meantime Mrs. Mason asked her brother:
"What do you think of my protege?"
"He seems a manly and attractive boy."
"Can't you find something for him to do?"
"I will talk with him presently, and then decide."
CHAPTER XXI.
NEW PROSPECTS.
After Roy, with Andy's assistance, had prepared his lesson in _Caesar_, John Crawford began to converse with him with a view of forming a judgment of his business qualifications.
"Are you especially interested in the jewelry line?" he asked.
"No, sir. It was merely chance that led me to Mr. Flint's store."
"I see you are a Latin scholar. What career did you expect to follow if your father's misfortune had not interrupted your education?"
"I don't think I should care for a profession. I prefer a life of business."
"You have had no special business in view?"
"No, sir. I think I could adapt myself to any that I had an opportunity to follow."
"What pay did you receive from Mr. Flint?"
"Five dollars a week."
"I will tell you why I am inquiring. I am in the real estate business, in rather a large way. I have a boy in the office who is not suited to his position. He is a good scholar, but has no head for business. I have made up my mind to discharge him on Saturday. Would you like his place?"
"Very much, sir."
"I can only offer you five dollars a week, but as soon as you make yourself worth more I will raise you."
"That is quite satisfactory, Mr. Crawford. As soon as Mr. Flint returns I can get a recommendation from him. I am quite sure I shall like your business better."
"My sister's recommendation is sufficient."
"Thank you, John," said Mrs. Mason.
"If you become interested in the business and show an aptitude for it, there will be a chance to rise. It depends upon that. If you only work for the money, you won't rise."
"I understand, Mr. Crawford, and I am satisfied."
"Mother," said Roy, "I wish you would engage Andy to come here evenings and help me with my lessons. I should learn twice as fast. Besides, I should like his company."
Roy was an only child, and it was the desire of his mother's heart that he should acquire a good education. Her means were ample and her disposition generous.
"I don't know but Andy would feel too tired, after being in your uncle's office all day, to teach you in the evening, she said.
"Would you, Andy?" asked Roy.
"No; I should enjoy reviewing my old studies with you."
"Then, I will engage you," said Mrs. Mason. "You can come here at eight every evening."
"I will do so with pleasure."